VALUES, VIABILITY, AND VISIBILITY [3Vs]
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Students Remain the Heartbeat of COOU: Visibility Drive Bearing Fruits as Chinedu Nwafor Shines with AfCFTA Two Million Naira Undergraduate Research Grant Among Other Laurels
Upon assuming office as Acting Vice-Chancellor, the administration of Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha, fnipr, has focused on transforming Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU) into a competitive, student-oriented institution of excellence through the 3V agenda (Values, Viability, and Visibility). She further emphasises that students remain integral to the transformation drive of her administration. This is portrayed by the story of Chinedu Nwafor, which reflects the gradual transformation taking place at COOU.
Chinedu, a 400-level student in the Department of Economics, also serves as the Director of Research and Academic Planning (DRAP) for the Policy Analysis and Research Congress (PARC), a student-led policy think-tank under the mentorship of its convener, Dr Chukwunonso Ekesiobi. Chinedu rose to prominence on 11th June 2024 when he, alongside Somtochukwu Umeh (also from the Department of Economics) was celebrated as a recipient of the 3rd SEE-JOY Nigerian Children Awards. The award recognises exceptional academic performance, and they were honoured for having the highest Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) among 300-level students in the institution. The prestigious award was sponsored by SEEJOY FOUNDATION INT’L in collaboration with the Anambra State Government.
This achievement was widely reported and celebrated across all COOU media platforms and was followed by a reception hosted by the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kate Omenugha. She commended them for making themselves, their families, and the university proud. She further encouraged them to continue striving and to complete their programme with flying colours. Deservedly, Chinedu was also an award recipient at the COOU Carol of Nine Lessons and Maiden Annual Awards, held on 18th December 2024.
Chinedu took the Vice-Chancellor’s encouragement as motivation to achieve more feats, which have not only distinguished him individually but have also elevated the university’s public profile:
1. *AfCFTA Research Grant Recipient:*
Chinedu was recently selected as one of the recipients of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) Research Grant 2025, awarded by Africa’s Future Economic Leaders (AFEL). This followed the successful consideration of his research proposal, which explores the implications of Nigeria-Africa trade on AfCFTA. The project is supported by his supervisor, Prof. Emilia Mgbemena. According to the AFEL’s LinkedIn announcement, Chinedu is among six young, brilliant economists from various Nigerian tertiary institutions whose research reflects the future of Africa’s economic integration and transformation. AFEL is committed to empowering African youth voices in trade and economic policymaking. The organisation launched the AfCFTA Research Grant as a funding initiative for final-year Economics students conducting their undergraduate research on AfCFTA and related trade policies. The selected recipients will share a grant of Two Million Naira to fund their research and present their findings upon completion. https://www.linkedin.com/…/afel-africa_afel-afcfta…
2. African Economic Scholars Programme (AESP) Scholar:
Adding another feather to his cap, Chinedu has also been selected as one of the 50 bright economic minds for the 2025 cohort of the flagship Scholars Programme of the African Economic Scholars Programme (AESP). Chosen from over 1,000 applicants for their potential and passion, the scholars will undergo eight weeks of intensive activities designed to sharpen their research skills, foster effective collaboration, and build expertise in economic policy. Chinedu and the other scholars are expected to apply the knowledge and skills gained through the programme to contribute to impactful policy reforms across the continent. https://www.linkedin.com/…/african-economic-scholars…
3. World Bank Group Youth Summit Delegate:
Chinedu was also shortlisted as a virtual delegate at the 12th edition of the World Bank Group Youth Summit, held from 19th to 20th May. The summit brought together young leaders aged 18–35 to address pressing global challenges, with this year’s theme focused on digital transformation, creative industries, and youth-led innovation for a livable planet. The summit aimed to: (a) Empower youth to explore innovative solutions to development challenges. (b) Equip youth with the tools to create and participate in impactful projects. (c) Foster dialogue between youth, the World Bank Group, and other global stakeholders.
In a quick chat with him earlier today, a visibly excited Chinedu expressed gratitude to the Acting Vice-Chancellor for her efforts in making COOU a more convenient and choice destination for learning. He appreciated the support of the Head of Department, Dr Ogochukwu Ugwunna and the entire Lecturers in the Department of Economics. He promised not to relent in their studies and praised the university for its continued support.
Chinedu’s success is a clear example of the positive changes happening at COOU under the leadership of the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha. Her focus on values, visibility, and making the university a place where students can truly thrive is already paying off. Thanks to her efforts, COOU is becoming a university that supports and celebrates its students, giving them the tools and confidence to aim high. With the right guidance and support, more students like Chinedu will continue to emerge and shine, making COOU a hub for growing great minds and building a brighter future.
The university community congratulates Chinedu on his well-deserved awards and wish him continued success in his academic pursuits.
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